Translation guide
A business or person that sells goods directly to consumers. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 小売店 (kouriten), but the choice depends on context, formality, and whether you mean a store, a company, or an individual seller.
Referring to a physical shop or outlet where goods are sold directly to the public.
The standard, neutral term for a retail store or shop. Suitable for most contexts.
あの小売店は品揃えが豊富だ。
That retailer has a wide selection of products.
More formal and often used in business or legal contexts to refer to a retail business operator or entity.
小売業者は消費者に直接販売する。
Retailers sell directly to consumers.
A somewhat dated or formal term for a retail merchant or trader. Less common in everyday speech.
彼は小売商として長年働いてきた。
He has worked as a retailer for many years.
Referring to a business entity or corporation that engages in retail, often in news or business reports.
Commonly used for a retail company or enterprise, especially in economic contexts.
その小売企業は全国に店舗を展開している。
That retailer has stores nationwide.
Also used for companies, but can sound slightly more formal or legalistic.
大手小売業者が新規参入した。
A major retailer entered the market.
Referring to a person whose occupation is retail selling, such as a shopkeeper.
Specifically a retail merchant or trader, emphasizing the individual.
小売商人たちは市場で商品を売っている。
Retailers are selling goods at the market.
Can refer to an individual operator, but is more commonly used for businesses.
個人の小売業者もオンライン販売を始めた。
Individual retailers have also started selling online.
Referring to a business that sells goods via the internet.
The direct equivalent for an online retailer. Clear and widely understood.
オンライン小売業者の売上が急増している。
Online retailers' sales are surging.
More casual, literally 'net mail-order business'. Common in everyday conversation.
ネット通販業者から買うのが便利だ。
It's convenient to buy from online retailers.
The katakana word リテーラー (riteeraa) exists but is not commonly used in natural Japanese. Stick with the terms above for clarity.
リテーラーはあまり使われない。
'Riteeraa' is not used much.
Many retail-related terms are formed by adding 小売 (kouri, 'retail') before another word, e.g., 小売価格 (retail price), 小売市場 (retail market). This is a productive pattern.